Community condemns government’s neglect, alleged invasion by soldiers

Residents of Ajapa community in Arogbo Kingdom, Ese-Odo Local Council of Ondo State have decried the government’s negligence towards the alleged invasion of the community by the Nigerian soldiers.

The residents also condemned the Nigerian Army’s denial of deployment of soldiers to the community.

This was made known in a statement signed by the National Coordinator, Foundation for Ijaw Youth Empowerment (FIYE), Ajabini Samson, on behalf of the community.

Ajabini said despite pleas to the governor, Rotimi Akeredolu and President Muhammad Buhari to intervene in the issue, they have remained non-challant and allowed the perpetrators to go scot-free, while planning strategies to unleash another attack on the vulnerable community.

The statement read in part: “It is a height of irresponsibility for the Governor Rotimi Akeredolu led –government to remain non-challant, let alone paying a visit to the Ajapa community in Arogbo Kingdom, Ese-Odo Local Council of Ondo State after 12 days of her invasion, destruction and blockade by the Nigeria Soldiers.

“It is also precarious for the president Muhammad Buhari led – Federal Government to remain idle on the bombardment of Ajapa community, while the Nigeria Army claims to be unaware of the deployment of boys in the force (Army).

The National Coordinator alleged that there was a sporadic shooting as Nigerian Army burnt three persons to death along with their houses in the inferno, which set the whole town of Ajapa ablaze.

“More so, a man with health challenges could not survive the rigour of jumping into the swampy forest as he gave up the ghost while struggling to make his way into the forest to take refuge.

One of three pregnant women that put to bed in the forest died as well as her set of twins, due to a heavy down pour. The other two were lucky to survive with their baby boys in the forest.

There is another case of a woman bitten by a cobra, who died immediately.”

Ajabini, who alleged that soldiers have occupied the community, ransacking women to satisfy their sexual desire, however, called on international organisations such as United Nations, Amnesty International, as well as the Federal Government, Ondo State government, the National Assembly and other relevant agencies to do the needful, according to United Nations standard.

He also urged the Directorate of Military Intelligence to investigate the happenings in the community and bring to book the perpetrators of the evil and unprecedented act.

“Consequently, it’s an aberration, as it’s ridiculous for the Nigeria soldiers to set-ablaze a whole community of over 6,000 buildings, built with hard-earned money. It is also incongruous for the Army to force over 30,000 law-abiding citizens to become refugees in the forests of their own community, all in the pretext of searching for criminal elements,” he stressed.